acupuncture
noun
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In Latin, acus means "needle", and the English word acupuncture was coined way back in the 17th century to describe a technique the Chinese had already been using for 2,000 years. An acupuncturist may insert many extremely fine needles at a time; the treatment is usually uncomfortable but not truly painful. In China today, even major surgery is often carried out using only acupuncture to kill the pain; it's also used for many other conditions, including insomnia, depression, smoking, and overweight. Acupuncture is based on ancient theories of bodily energy that few Western doctors have ever accepted; but even though attempts to explain its effects by Western science have been unsuccessful, it's now widely recognized by doctors as effective for pain reduction.
Examples of acupuncture in a Sentence
Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025
Most pain improves with conservative, non-pharmacologic management such as heat, ice, exercise, massage, physical therapy, yoga and acupuncture.
—Lipi Roy, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Some of the main drugs used to treat it are muscle relaxants and anti-seizure medications for pain management, and people often supplement with physical therapy, myofascial release or massage therapy, and other therapies like acupuncture.
—Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 3 Apr. 2025
This means that your belief in the benefits of a treatment—like acupuncture—may contribute to your experience of favorable results.3
What To Expect With Acupuncture for Back Pain
Preparing for an acupuncture appointment starts with selecting a licensed and experienced practitioner.
—Cristina Mutchler, Health, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acupuncture
Cite this Entry
“Acupuncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acupuncture. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
acupuncture
noun
Latin acus "needle" and English puncture
Medical Definition
acupuncture
noun
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